Where to Donate Gently Used Clothing for the Hudson Valley Community

Whether you want to do spring cleaning or a good deed, here are some centers to drop off clothing and accessories to locals in need.

By Alicia McGowan

Published: 01/31/2019

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Why give? It could be spring cleaning, holiday seasons, a new move, or the desire to help someone in need. Whatever the reason may be, there are a plethora of places in the Hudson Valley that could use a helping hand in the form of a well-timed drop-off. Check out where to pass along clothes and accessories in the region, then take a walk to your closet. It's time for a clear-out!

Albany County

Capital City Rescue Mission was founded in 1950 with a mission to help others in need by “giving hope and transforming lives.” People can donate food and clothing, including adult and children garments or shoes. Toiletries, sheets and towels, refundable recyclables, furniture, vehicles, and more can be donated. All the donated items will go to a family in need.

This nonprofit organization features two unique elements: The Community Store Program and the Book Project. People can donate clothing from all seasons, no matter what occasion. The public can give by dropping off at the location on Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or with a money donation on the website through Paypal.

Clothing donations of new socks, underwear, and pillows are accepted. The Catholic Charities Housing will send off the donations to those in need. Items can be dropped off at the men’s or women’s shelters. Monetary contributions are welcome on the website.

Dutchess County

This family-based non-for-profit shop gives back to the community in need. The Barn has raised money for the Christian outreach ministry since 1996 and has supported individuals through local organizations like Love Inc., Local Coat Drives, Hudson Valley Mental Health, and Hudson River Housing. Interested donors can give clean clothing, jewelry, linens, vintage items, and shoes.

The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie started in 1847 when a group of women formed the Female Guardian Society, a group that assists with shelter, food, and clothing. Years later, people came together to support the community by donating, volunteering, and acting with kindness. The home welcomes donations for men’s athletic pants, women’s jeans, children and adult pajamas, and youth clothing.

If you have gently used or new children’s clothing, the Children’s Clothing Closet at Dutchess Outreach Center is always looking for donations. Kitchen and bathroom items are welcome too, and there is an urgent need for pots, pans, and microwaves.

If you have professional clothing that is gently used, no more than five years old, and forgotten in your closet, consider donating to Dress for Success. Accepted clothing includes suits, blazers, pants, dresses, scrubs, and business shoes. These items can empower women in the local community who are looking to gain confidence in their career.

Grace Smith House is a safe space for victims of domestic violence. Grace Smith House’s mission is to help people who have gone through these experiences by providing them with simple necessities. The space accepts donations like infant blankets, children’s socks and underwear, adult sweatpants, sweatshirts, and pajamas. Other needs include non-perishable items and toiletries.

Greene County

Part of Community Action of Greene County, Inc. is funded through government grants; however, it needs more funding to provide to other people in the community. If you donate $10, it provides five meals for one family. People can donate money by mail or online. Clothing donations go to the Pay It Forward Community Thrift Store, where the public can buy gently used clothing at a low price. All the proceeds go to the center to support programs and people.

Orange County

According to Clothing Drive Fundraiser, there have been more than six million pounds of clothes collected. On the website, there are options for community members to volunteer in groups by scheduling a fundraising event. There are service areas in Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties, along with sites in New Jersey. Collected items go to people here and abroad, are converted into insulation, and some are reprocessed to fabrics for rags.

There is a Goodwill in most counties, and you can search the website for more locations. In 1915, the first Goodwill started in Brooklyn and was then converted into a nonprofit organization five years later. Nowadays, there are over 40 Goodwill stores throughout the New York and New Jersey areas that accept clothing of all seasons. People can also purchase items at highly discounted prices.

Putnam County

This not-for-profit organization has a Heart of Faith program dedicated to helping families in the winter months around the holiday season. Household items such as books, décor, bedding, and rugs are gladly accepted. For more information, people donating can browse the website or Facebook page for other items that are needed.

Rensselaer County

This center focuses on women and children in need in the community. By donating to Catherine’s Closet, people who cannot buy clothes have the opportunity to choose from an array of seasonal clothes. The Donations to the Circles of Mercy assist low-income mothers by providing them with a basket of necessities for their newborn.

Rockland County

People to People has helped more than 14,000 families in Rockland County thanks to generous donations from locals. Guests can help by contributing a monetary donation, clean and gently used clothing, food, and assistance with fundraising events.

This donation center is one of the largest food pantries in Ulster County, and it offers free food to those in need. The thrift store provides clothing at a low price for people to purchase. The center’s most needed items include warm outerwear, t-shirts, and men’s and teenager’s shoes. Guests can drop off food and clothing Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Wednesday evenings.